1/2/3 vs 2

DEVELOP GOOD DECISION-MAKING IN ATTACKING, DEFENDING AND TRANSITION AREASGOALSCORING

PLAYERS

14+ PLAYERS

SPACE

30m x 20m

EQUIPMENT

10+ BALLS

EXPLANATION:

One team starts receiving the ball and attacking for a set period of time (5 minutes), the other team defending.

Teams start in opposite corners. Attacking team (X) sends 1 player into zone, who receives a pass from the Coach (with balls on sideline). X receives the ball and tries to attack the opponents’ goal.

Defending team sends 2 players out (so it is a 1-on-2 situation), who try to dispossess player X and counter attack to goal. Play this ball until it either goes in goal or out of play. At this point, players clear the zone.

Next, 2 X’s enter the zone, receive a pass, and O’s again send in 2 defenders (a 2-on-2 situation). Play this ball out in the same manner. Once ball is out of play, players clear zone.

Next, 3 X’s enter the zone, and again 2 O’s (3-on-2). Play out and clear zone.

After the 3-on-2, X’s go back to sending 1 player (1-on-2).

Play for 5 minutes and switch sides, so O’s are attacking, X’s defending.

COACHING POINTS:

Players should learn to recognize numbers-up, even and numbers-down situations and adjust play accordingly. Recognize that losing the ball creates an immediate counter-attack goalscoring opportunity, so take risks with that in mind.

Identify 2-on-1 situations and take advantage of them to eliminate opponent, either on initial attack or on counter.

Speed of Transition: can players off the ball anticipate what is likely to happen and gain advantage in transition play?

EVALUATION:

Defensive Recovery: even when a player has lost the ball and been eliminated, it is critical to train players to turn quickly and pressure defensively. “Back Pressure” is important because even though the player might not actually make a tackle, he can pressure and rush the ball carrier into shooting quickly or off-balance, which can impact the quality of the shot.

Off-ball movement: off-ball attacking player(s) should be moving aggressively to manipulate defenders and get into open position to eliminate.

Communication: Players on defending team (including GK) should be communicating constantly to create or control desired situation. This includes when to pressure, angle of pressure, double-team opportunities.

PROGRESSION:

LTT: Same

TTC & TTW: Call Penalty Corners (1 point for a corner, 2 points for a goal). Also may have to put in a time limit to prevent a team stalling once they have a lead.